Valet mode application

ABSTRACT

An application for use with a wireless device comprising a touch screen display is provided. The application comprises a valet mode application stored by the wireless device. The valet mode application is executable by the wireless device to provide control for a mobile router valet mode, the mobile router disposed within a vehicle. The valet application program is executable by the wireless device to produce a predetermined image on the touch screen display. The valet application program is executable such that touching the image is utilized to activate and deactivate a valet mode operation in the mobile router. The valet mode operating in the mobile router such that when the vehicle exceeds one or more predetermined conditions, the mobile router provides a notification to the wireless device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/514,047 filed as PCT Application No.PCT/US07/11632 filed on May 15, 2007 and claiming priority to U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/800,749, filed May 16, 2006, U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/800,679, filed May 16, 2006 and U.S.provisional application Ser. No. 60/800,750, filed May 16, 2006, saidSer. No. 12/514,047 claiming priority to U.S. provisional application.The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/414,935 filed Mar. 8, 2012 that is acontinuation-in-part of Ser. No. 12/514,049 filed Sep. 25, 2009, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,189,552 which is a 371 of PCT/US07/11624 filed May 15,2007 and claiming priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No.60/800,749, filed May 16, 2006, U.S. provisional application Ser. No.60/800,679, filed May 16, 2006 and U.S. provisional application Ser. No.60/800,750, filed May 16, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a networked vehicular wireless mobilerouter arrangement.

BACKGROUND

The use of mobile or wireless end-user computer-type devices hasincreased significantly. Such mobile devices must be able to connect toa wireless network. Wireless local area networks (LANs) are oftendeployed inside structures such as homes, offices, public and commercialbuildings. A typical wireless LAN comprises one or more wireless accesspoints, such as a wireless router or “hot spot”, which communicateswirelessly with the mobile device, and allows the mobile device toconnect to a wired network or other network that is also incommunication with the access point. To stay connected to such awireless LAN, the mobile device must usually stay within wirelesscommunication range of the access points. This constrains the effectivemobility of a wireless device.

The mobility constraining problem is particularly aggravated when themobile device is disposed within a vehicle that is in motion. Themobility constraining problem has been addressed somewhat by use ofcellular networks that allow mobile devices having cellular networkinterfaces to communicate wireless data with such cellular networks.However, most mobile computer devices do not have cellular networkinterfaces.

As the use of mobile devices has expanded, the mobility of such deviceshas expanded to the use wireless routers in vehicles. Such routers arereferred to as “mobile routers” or “mobile nodes”. Mobile routerstypically permit a mobile device located in a vehicle that is in motionto maintain a connection to a wide area network and thereby greatlyexpand the mobility of the mobile device. Mobile routers are fullyoperable whether the vehicle having a mobile router installed therein isin motion or stationary. The mobile router may maintain connection tothe Internet as it travels across cellular networks.

Still further, it would be advantageous to utilize the mobile router todetermine that the vehicle in which the mobile router is disposed is notdriven too far or too fast under certain circumstances.

One example of a set of such certain circumstances is when a vehicle isleft in custody of a valet.

SUMMARY

In a particularly advantage embodiment of the invention each mobilerouter may be operated in a “valet mode” in conjunction with a wirelessmobile device such as, for example, a so-called smart phone. We providean application, i.e., a valet application, that may be downloaded to asmartphone or other wireless mobile device. The valet application isparticularly advantageous with a smartphone or other wireless mobiledevice having a touch screen. The valet application programs thewireless mobile device to provide a valet mode control button or icon.Touching the button causes a command to be sent to a correspondingmobile router to enable a valet mode in the mobile router.

When the valet mode is enabled in a mobile router, a predeterminedboundary is established for the mobile router based on its location atthe time the valet mode is enabled. By way of example, the predeterminedboundary may be a radius may of e.g., 100 yards from the vehicleslocation. If the vehicle leaves moves outside the boundary, the mobilerouter causes a message, e.g., a SMS message, to be sent to the wirelessmobile device alerting that the boundary has been exceeded.

When the valet mode is enabled, the corresponding mobile router alsomonitors the speed of the vehicle. If the speed exceeds a predeterminedspeed, e.g., 65 mph, the mobile router causes a message, e.g., a SMSmessage, to be sent to the wireless mobile device alerting that thepredetermined speed has been exceeded.

Both the predetermined radius and the predetermined speed areautomatically configured in the mobile router.

The mobile router automatically disables the valet mode a predeterminedtime period, e.g. 4 hours, after it is enabled unless it is earlierdisabled by the wireless mobile device.

The user of the wireless mobile device can change the predetermineddefault parameters for the radius, maximum speed, and time period.

An embodiment in accordance with the principles of the inventioncomprises: a wireless device having digital communication capability andcomprising a user input/output interface comprising a touch screendisplay; and a valet mode application stored in the wireless device. Thevalet mode application is executable by the wireless device to providecontrol for a valet mode in cooperation with a mobile router disposedwithin a vehicle. The wireless device executes the valet applicationprogram to produce a predetermined image on the touch screen display.The touch screen display is operable such that touching the image isutilized to activate or enable and deactivate or disable a valet modeoperation in the mobile router. The valet mode operates in the mobilerouter such that when the vehicle exceeds one or more predeterminedconditions, the mobile router provides a notification to the wirelessdevice.

The one or more predetermined conditions are preset in the mobilerouter.

The wireless device is operable to change the one or more predeterminedconditions.

The predetermined conditions may comprise one or both of a boundary anda vehicle speed.

The valet mode remains activated for the shorter time of the wirelessdevice deactivating the mobile router and a predetermined time period.

The predetermined time period is stored in the mobile router.

In certain embodiments, the wireless device is operable with the valetapplication program to change the predetermined time period.

In various embodiments, the predetermined image comprises one of abutton and an icon. The wireless device is operable in response to atouch of the image activating the valet mode to cause an activation ofthe valet mode in the mobile router; and the wireless device is operablein response to a second touch of the image to cause deactivation of thevalet mode in the mobile router.

In various embodiments, the wireless device comprises one of a cellphone, a smartphone, a personal data assistant (“PDA”), a tabletcomputer, a laptop, or a notepad or any similar type of device thatprovides for wireless digital communication.

In various embodiments, the valet application is downloaded to thewireless device.

The valet mode application is utilized to associate the wireless devicewith one or more mobile routers.

In one embodiment, an application for use with a wireless devicecomprising a touch screen display is provided. The application comprisesa valet mode application stored by the wireless device. The valet modeapplication is executable by the wireless device to provide control fora mobile router valet mode, the mobile router disposed within a vehicle.The valet application program is executable by the wireless device toproduce a predetermined image on the touch screen display. The valetapplication program is executable such that touching the image isutilized to activate and deactivate a valet mode operation in the mobilerouter. The valet mode operating in the mobile router such that when thevehicle exceeds one or more predetermined conditions, the mobile routerprovides a notification to the wireless device.

One embodiment of a mobile router comprises: a valet mode program toprovide valet mode functionality in a vehicle in which the mobile routeris disposed; a processor operable to execute the valet mode program; apredetermined distance limit; and a predetermined speed limit. Themobile router responds to externally generated commands from apredetermined source to activate or deactivate the valet mode. Theprocessor is operable to determine if the predetermined distance limitis exceeded from the location of the vehicle when the valet mode isactivated; and the processor is operable to determine if the vehicleexceeds the predetermined speed limit when the valet mode is activated.

The mobile router may comprise: a wireless wide area network interfaceoperable to access a cellular network and a wireless local area network.The commands are received via one of the wireless wide area network andthe wireless local area network.

The predetermined source that initiates the commands may be a wirelessmobile device that executes a valet mode application.

The mobile router may comprise a predetermined time period. Theprocessor deactivates the valet mode at the earliest of thepredetermined time period and receipt of a deactivate command.

The mobile router may respond to externally generated second commandsfrom the predetermined source to change the predetermined time period toa second predetermined time period.

The mobile router may respond to externally generated third commandsfrom the predetermined source to change the predetermined distance limitto a second predetermined distance period.

The mobile router may respond to externally generated fourth commandsfrom the predetermined source to change the predetermined speed limit toa second predetermined speed period.

In various embodiments, the predetermined distance limit and thepredetermined speed limit are downloaded to the router via one of thewireless wide area network and the wireless local area network.

In various embodiments, the mobile router is operable to generate amessage to the predetermined source if at least one of the predeterminedspeed limit or the predetermined distance is exceeded.

Another embodiment of a mobile router comprises: a stored predetermineddistance limit; a stored predetermined speed limit; and access to aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver. The mobile router utilizes theGPS receiver to substantially continuously determine the location of avehicle in which the mobile router is disposed; and the mobile router isresponsive to a first command to activate an operational mode such thatthe present location of the vehicle is captured, the vehicle location issubstantially continuously utilized to determine if the vehicle locationexceeds the predetermined distance limit from the captured location andto determine if the vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed limit.

The mobile router is responsive to the vehicle exceeding thepredetermined distance from the captured location to send a message to apredetermined device.

The mobile router is responsive to the vehicle exceeding thepredetermined speed to send a message to a predetermined device.

The mobile router is responsive to a second command to deactivate theoperational mode.

The mobile router may comprise a stored predetermined time limit; andthe mobile router deactivates the operational mode upon expiration ofthe predetermined time limit.

An embodiment of a vehicle in accordance with the principles of theinvention comprises a valet mode program to provide valet modefunctionality for the vehicle, a processor operable to execute the valetmode program, a predetermined distance limit, and a predetermined speedlimit. The vehicle responds to externally generated commands from apredetermined source to activate or deactivate the valet mode. Theprocessor is operable to determine if the predetermined distance limitis exceeded from the location of the vehicle when the valet mode isactivated; and the processor is operable to determine if the vehicleexceeds the predetermined speed limit while the valet mode is activated.

The vehicle embodiment further may comprise: a wireless wide areanetwork interface operable to access a cellular network and a wirelesslocal area network. The commands are received via one of the wirelesswide area network and the wireless local area network.

The predetermined source in the vehicle embodiment may comprise awireless mobile device. The wireless mobile device comprises a valetmode application operable to activate and deactivate the valet mode.

The vehicle may further comprise a predetermined time period. Theprocessor deactivates the valet mode at the earliest of thepredetermined time period and receipt of a deactivate command. Theprocessor responds to externally generated second commands from thepredetermined source to change the predetermined time period to a secondpredetermined time period. The processor responds to externallygenerated third commands from the predetermined source to change thepredetermined distance limit to a second predetermined distance period.The processor responds to externally generated fourth commands from thepredetermined source to change the predetermined speed limit to a secondpredetermined speed period.

In an embodiment, the predetermined distance limit and the predeterminedspeed limit are downloaded to the vehicle via one of the wireless widearea network and the wireless local area network.

In various embodiments, the processor is operable to generate a messageto the predetermined source if at least one of the predetermined speedlimit or the predetermined distance is exceeded.

In one embodiment, a vehicle comprises: a stored predetermined distancelimit; a stored predetermined speed limit; access to a globalpositioning system (GPS) receiver; and a mobile router. The processorutilizes the GPS receiver to substantially continuously determine thelocation of the vehicle; and the processor is responsive to a firstcommand to activate an operational mode such that the present locationof the vehicle is captured, the vehicle location is substantiallycontinuously utilized to determine if the vehicle location exceeds thepredetermined distance limit from the captured location and to determineif the vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed limit.

The processor may be responsive to the vehicle exceeding thepredetermined distance from the captured location to send a message to apredetermined device.

The processor may be responsive to the vehicle exceeding thepredetermined speed to send a message to a predetermined device.

The processor may be responsive to a second command to deactivate theoperational mode.

In various embodiments, the vehicle comprises a stored predeterminedtime limit, and the processor deactivates the operational mode uponexpiration of the predetermined time limit.

The processor may be responsive to a second command to deactivate theoperational mode.

In embodiments, the vehicle comprises: a wireless wide area networkinterface (WAN) and a wireless local area network interface (WLAN).

The processor may receive the first command via one of the wireless WANor WLAN.

The processor may receive the second command via one of the wireless WANor WLAN.

The processor is operable to receive a substitute predetermined distancelimit and to utilize the substitute predetermined distance limit inplace of the predetermined distance limit.

In various embodiments, the vehicle is operable to receive a substitutepredetermined speed limit and to utilize the substitute predeterminedspeed limit in place of the predetermined speed limit. The vehicle isalso operable to receive a substitute predetermined distance limit andto utilize the substitute predetermined distance limit in place of thepredetermined distance limit.

An embodiment of a method for providing a valet mode for a vehiclecomprises: providing a mobile router in the vehicle; operating themobile router to substantially continuously determine the currentlocation of the vehicle; providing a valet application program to awireless device; utilizing the valet application program to program thewireless device to provide a valet user interface; utilizing the valetuser interface to activate and deactivate a valet mode at the mobilerouter; operating the mobile router such that when the valet mode isactivated, the mobile router activates a predetermined a boundary ofpredetermined radius about the current location of the vehicle;automatically operating the mobile router when the valet mode isactivated to detect if the boundary is exceeded; and operating themobile router to automatically cause a notification to be sent to thewireless device upon the router detecting that the vehicle exceeds theboundary.

The method may comprise providing the valet application program to thewireless device as a downloadable program from a source accessed via theInternet.

The method may comprise: operating the mobile router in the valet modefor a predetermined period of time after the valet mode is activated;and automatically deactivating the valet mode upon expiration of thepredetermined period.

The method may comprise utilizing the valet user interface to select thepredetermined radius.

The method may further comprise storing the predetermined radius in themobile router.

In various embodiments, the method may comprise coupling the router to astandardized vehicle bus, and obtaining distance traveled by the vehiclefrom the vehicle bus.

In other embodiments, the method may comprise: providing the vehiclewith a global positioning system (GPS) receiver coupled to the router;and utilizing the GPS receiver in cooperation with the router to obtaindistance traveled by the vehicle.

In various embodiments, the wireless device comprises at least one of alink to a wireless local area network and a link to a wireless wide areanetwork. The method may further comprise downloading the valetapplication program to the wireless device via one of the devicewireless local area network and the wireless wide area network.

The method may further comprise: operating the wireless device toactivate the valet mode at the mobile router via one of the devicewireless local area network and the device wireless wide area network;and deactivating the mobile router valet mode via one of the mobilerouter local area network and the mobile router wireless wide areanetwork.

The method may further comprise operating the mobile router to send anotification message to the wireless device via one of a mobile routerlocal area network and a mobile router wireless wide area network whenthe mobile router detects the one or both of the boundary and themaximum speed limit are exceeded.

Still further the method may comprise: providing the vehicle with aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver coupled to the router; andoperating the router to utilize the GPS receiver to obtain distancetraveled by the vehicle.

The method may comprise operating the mobile router to send anotification message to the wireless device when the mobile routerdetects that the predetermined radius is exceeded.

In embodiments, the method may comprise operating the mobile router inthe valet mode for a predetermined period of time after the valet modeis activated; and automatically deactivating the valet mode uponexpiration of the predetermined period.

Embodiments may comprise utilizing the valet user interface to selectthe predetermined radius and the predetermined period of time.

Another embodiment of a method for providing a valet mode for a vehiclecomprises: providing a mobile router in the vehicle, the mobile routercomprising a wireless wide area network interface and a wireless localarea network interface; providing the vehicle with a global positioningsystem GPS receiver; coupling the GPS receiver to the mobile router;providing a valet application program to a wireless device comprising atouch screen display, the wireless device having access to at least oneof a wireless local area network and a wireless wide area network;utilizing the valet application program to produce an image of a buttonon the touch screen display; utilizing the button to activate anddeactivate a valet mode such that when the valet mode is activated, themobile router and the GPS receiver cooperate to establish apredetermined radius about the current location of the vehicle; andoperating the mobile router in cooperation with the GPS receiver todetect if the GPS receiver indicates that the predetermined radius isexceeded.

The method of the embodiment may include: operating the mobile router tosend a notification message to the wireless device when the mobilerouter detects the geo-fence boundary is exceeded; and may furtherinclude operating the mobile router in the valet mode for apredetermined period of time after the valet mode is activated; andautomatically deactivating the valet mode upon expiration of thepredetermined period.

In a further embodiment, a method for providing a valet mode for avehicle comprises: providing a mobile router in the vehicle, the mobilerouter comprising a wireless wide area network interface and a wirelesslocal area network; operating the mobile router to substantiallycontinuously determine the current location of the vehicle; providing avalet application program to a wireless device programmable to comprisea customizable user interface, the wireless device having access to atleast one of a wireless local area network and a wireless wide areanetwork; utilizing the valet application program to program the wirelessdevice to provide a valet user interface; utilizing the valet userinterface to activate and deactivate a valet mode at the mobile router;operating the mobile router such that when the valet mode is activated,the mobile router activates a predetermined a boundary of predeterminedradius about the current location of the vehicle and a maximum speedlimit for the vehicle; operating the mobile router to detect if thevehicle the geo-fence boundary or the speed limit are exceeded; and

operating the mobile router to cause a notification to be sent to thewireless device upon the router detecting if the vehicle exceeds thegeo-fence or the speed limit.

The method may further comprise: coupling the router to a standardizedvehicle bus; obtaining distance traveled by the vehicle from the vehiclebus; and obtaining vehicle speed from the vehicle bus.

The method may comprise: providing the vehicle with a global positioningsystem (GPS) receiver coupled to the router; utilizing the GPS receiverin cooperation with the router to obtain distance traveled by thevehicle; and utilizing the GPS receiver in cooperation with the routerto obtain vehicle speed from the vehicle bus.

One embodiment of a method for providing a valet mode for a vehiclecomprises: providing a mobile router in the vehicle, the mobile routercomprising a wireless wide area network interface and a wireless localarea network interface; providing the vehicle with a global positioningsystem GPS receiver; coupling the GPS receiver to the mobile router;providing a valet application program to a wireless device comprising atouch screen display, the wireless device having access to at least oneof a wireless local area network and a wireless wide area network;utilizing the valet application program to produce an image of a buttonon the touch screen display; utilizing the button to activate anddeactivate a valet mode such that when the valet mode is activated, themobile router and the GPS receiver cooperate to establish a boundary ofpredetermined radius about the current location of the vehicle and amaximum speed limit for the vehicle; and operating the mobile router incooperation with the GPS receiver to detect if the GPS receiverindicates that boundary or the speed limit are exceeded.

The method further comprises: operating the mobile router to send anotification message to the wireless device when the mobile routerdetects the one or both of the boundary and the maximum speed limit areexceeded.

A method of operating a network comprising a plurality of mobile routerseach disposed in a corresponding vehicle is provided. The methodcomprises: downloading a valet mode application to a wireless mobiledevice; utilizing the valet mode application to program the wirelessdevice to provide a valet user interface; associating one or more of themobile routers to the wireless mobile device; providing each associatedone or more mobile routers with a valet mode program; operating eachassociated one of more mobile routers to substantially continuouslydetermine the current location of its the corresponding vehicle;utilizing the valet user interface to selectively activate anddeactivate a valet mode at a predetermined one mobile router of theassociated one or more of the mobile routers; operating thepredetermined one mobile router such that when the valet mode isactivated, the predetermined one mobile router saves the currentlocation; operating the predetermined one mobile router such that whenthe valet mode is activated, the predetermined one mobile routermonitors at least one of the location of the corresponding vehicle todetermine if the vehicle travels beyond a predetermined radius about thecurrent location of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle todetermine if the vehicle travels at a speed in excess of a predeterminedspeed; and operating the predetermined one mobile router toautomatically cause a notification to be sent to the wireless mobiledevice in the event that the predetermined one mobile router detect thatthe corresponding vehicle exceeds the predetermined radius or thepredetermined speed.

The method may further include downloading the valet application to thewireless device from a source accessed via the Internet.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: operating thepredetermined one mobile router in the valet mode for a predeterminedperiod of time after the valet mode is activated; and automaticallydeactivating the valet mode upon expiration of the predetermined period.

In various embodiments, the method may include: utilizing the valet userinterface to select at least one of the predetermined radius and thepredetermined speed.

The method may comprise: storing the selected predetermined radius andthe predetermined speed in the predetermined one mobile router.

In some embodiments, the method comprises: coupling the predeterminedone mobile router to a standardized vehicle bus of the correspondingvehicle; and obtaining distance and speed data from the vehicle bus.

Such embodiments may further comprise: providing the correspondingvehicle with a global positioning system (GPS) receiver coupled to thepredetermined one mobile router; and utilizing the GPS receiver incooperation with the predetermined one mobile router to obtain distancetraveled by the corresponding vehicle.

In various embodiments, the wireless mobile device comprises at leastone of a link to a wireless local area network and a link to a wirelesswide area network. The method may comprise: downloading the valetapplication program to the wireless mobile device via one of the devicewireless local area network and the wireless wide area network.

The method may include: operating the wireless mobile device to activatethe valet mode at the predetermined one mobile router via one of thedevice wireless local area network and the device wireless wide areanetwork; and activating the predetermined one mobile router the valetmode via one of a mobile router local area network and a mobile routerwireless wide area network. The method may further include: operatingthe wireless device to deactivate the valet mode at the predeterminedone mobile router via one of the device wireless local area network andthe device wireless wide area network; and deactivating thepredetermined one mobile router the valet mode via one of the mobilerouter local area network and the mobile router wireless wide areanetwork.

The embodiments may include: operating the predetermined one mobilerouter to send a notification message to the wireless device when thepredetermined one mobile router detects that one of the predeterminedradius and the predetermined speed is exceeded.

In certain embodiments, the method comprises: providing thecorresponding vehicle with a global positioning system (GPS) receivercoupled to the predetermined one mobile router; and operating thepredetermined one mobile router to utilize the GPS receiver to determineat least one of the current location of the corresponding vehicle andthe speed of the corresponding vehicle.

The embodiments may include: operating the predetermined one mobilerouter to send a notification message to the wireless mobile device ifthe mobile router detects that one of the predetermined radius and thepredetermined speed is exceeded.

The embodiments may further include: operating the predetermined onemobile router in the valet mode for a predetermined period of time afterthe valet mode is activated; and automatically deactivating the valetmode upon expiration of the predetermined period.

The method may further comprise: utilizing the wireless mobile devicethe valet user interface to select at least one of the predeterminedradius, the predetermined speed, and the predetermined period of time.

The method may even further include: storing the at least one of theselected predetermined radius and the selected predetermined period oftime in the predetermined one mobile router.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for operating a networkcomprising a plurality of mobile routers each disposed in acorresponding vehicle, and each mobile router comprising a wireless widearea network interface and a wireless local area network interface. Themethod comprises: downloading a valet mode application to a wirelessmobile device; utilizing the valet mode application to program thewireless mobile device to provide a valet user interface. The wirelessmobile device comprising a touch screen display and has access to atleast one of a device wireless local area network and a device wirelesswide area network. The method further comprises: utilizing the valetmode application to produce an image of a button on the touch screendisplay; associating one or more of the mobile routers to the wirelessmobile device; providing each associated one or more the mobile routerswith a valet mode program; coupling a global positioning system (GPS)receiver to the mobile router; utilizing the button to activate anddeactivate a valet mode such that when the valet mode is activated, themobile router and the GPS receiver cooperate to establish apredetermined radius about the current location of the vehicle; andoperating the mobile router in cooperation with the GPS receiver todetect if the predetermined radius is exceeded.

An embodiment of a method of operating a network comprising a pluralityof mobile routers each disposed in a corresponding vehicle and eachcomprising a wireless wide area network interface and a wireless localarea network interface comprises: downloading a valet mode applicationto a wireless mobile device; utilizing the valet mode application toprogram the wireless mobile device to provide a customizable userinterface. The wireless mobile device comprises a touch screen display,and has access to at least one of a device wireless local area networkand a device wireless wide area network. The method further comprises:utilizing the valet mode application to produce an image of a button onthe touch screen display; associating one or more of the mobile routersto the wireless mobile device; providing each associated one or more themobile routers with a valet mode program; utilizing the button toactivate and deactivate a valet mode such that when the valet mode isactivated, the mobile router establishes a predetermined radius aboutthe current location of the corresponding vehicle and a predeterminedspeed; operating the mobile router to substantially continuouslydetermine the current location of the corresponding vehicle; operatingthe mobile router to detect if the predetermined radius or thepredetermined speed is exceeded; and operating the mobile router tocause a notification to be sent to the wireless device upon the routerdetecting if the predetermined radius or the predetermined speed isexceeded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood by reading the followingdetailed description in conjunction with the drawing figures in whichlike designators refer to like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first mobile router network arrangement;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an expanded mobile router networkarrangement;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a further expanded mobile router networkarrangement;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mobile router;

FIG. 5 is a more detailed block diagram of the mobile router of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates details of an expandable router network;

FIG. 7 illustrates further details of the network of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless mobile device; and

FIG. 9 illustrates steps of a method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mobile router network 100. Mobile routernetwork 100 comprises a plurality of vehicles 101, each having therein amobile router 112. Each vehicle 101 includes a wireless local areanetwork 115. Each wireless local area network 115 may be incommunication with one or more corresponding mobile devices 116 via awireless communication link 114. Each wireless local area network 115includes mobile router 112 and may or may not include one or more mobiledevices 116. Each wireless local area network 115 may be, for example, anetwork compliant with industry standard IEEE 802.11 network, i.e., aWi-Fi network, or a network compliant with industry standard IEEE802.16, i.e., a WiMAX network, or a Bluetooth network, or any othersuitable wireless network.

Each mobile device 116 may be any processor-based device having awireless transceiver capable of receiving and transmitting data via thewireless communication link 114. For example, one mobile device 116 maybe a laptop (or notebook) computer equipped with a wireless networkinterface card, a wireless-enabled PDA, a pocket or palmtop computer, aWi-Fi phone (e.g., a Skype phone or VoIP phone), a Wi-Fi appliance, aSony PlayStation PSP or some other portable, network-enabled gamingstation, a video screen, a digital camera, an audio player, a navigationdevice, a security camera, an alarm device, a wireless payment or POSdevice, or an automotive electronic device.

Mobile router 112 may act as a gateway between wireless network 115 anda backhaul network 20. In one embodiment, backhaul network 120 is acellular wireless network. Backhaul network 120 in turn may be connectedto the Internet 118 or any other network, such as an intranet or anotherWAN, via a gateway 24.

Mobile router 112 communicates with the backhaul network 120 via abackhaul wireless communication link 122. Backhaul wirelesscommunication link 122 may be provided by a wireless network that ispart of the backhaul network 120, such as a cellular wireless network.The cellular wireless network may be of any type.

Examples of such types of cellular network, include but are not limitedto the following types: a Global System for MobileCommunications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) link; a UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) link; a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) link; an Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) link;an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) link; a 3GSM link; aDigital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) link; a Digital AMPS(IS-136/TDMA) link; an Integrated Digital Enhanced Link (iDEN) link; aWiMAX link; or any other suitable wireless link.

Each mobile router 112 and its corresponding mobile device 116 areco-located in a vehicle 101 so that mobile router 112 is capable ofbeing mobile and operable to establish connectivity whether mobile orstationary such that each end-user of a mobile device 116 can enjoywireless connectivity to Internet 118 via mobile router 112 as thevehicle travels through cells or nodes associated with wireless network122. Vehicle 101 may be any type of vehicle that travels over and/orunder land, over and/or under water, or in the air or space. The typicalmost common type of vehicle 101 that is likely to include a mobilerouter is a car, truck, or bus.

Each mobile router 112 may be mounted in a corresponding vehicle 101 ina secure and generally tamper-resistant location. For example, themobile router 112 may be mounted in the trunk of an automobile, and theend-user of the mobile device 116 may be a passenger or driver of theautomobile. That way, the end-user could enjoy wireless connectivity asthe automobile moves between cells of the wireless network 122. Althoughonly one mobile device 116 is shown in communication with each mobilerouter 112 shown in FIG. 1, numerous mobile devices 116 may be incommunication with a corresponding mobile router 112 via thecorresponding local area network 115.

Cellular network cell site transceiver 130 may be used to provide acellular link to mobile router 112 and both receive and transmitwireless signals to a mobile router 112 via one of the wireless cellularcommunication links 122. A cellular communication network 132 ofcellular backhaul network 120 may communicate via the worldwide web orInternet 118 or another network via one or more gateways 124. Eachcommunication network 132 may include conventional communication networkelements to provide wireless cellular network service for each mobilerouter 112.

Turning now to FIG. 2, mobile router network 100 is shown in a moreexpanded networked arrangement in which cellular backhaul network 120 isshown as having a plurality of cell site transceivers 130, each of whichcan communicate with one or more vehicles 101 having a mobile router 112therein. FIG. 2 shows one gateway 124 to Internet 118, but it will beappreciated that there may be a plurality of such gateways 124, each ofwhich may have access to the Internet 118 or to another network.

Turning now to FIG. 3, mobile router network 100 is illustrated infurther expanded form to show that there may be a plurality of cellularbackhaul networks 120 each comprising a number of cell sitetransceivers, each located in different areas serviced by the backhaulnetworks 120, such that each mobile router 112 may stay in communicationwith a backhaul network 120 as each mobile router 112 moves betweencells or nodes of the backhaul networks 120. It will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, that there is virtually no limit to the sizeof mobile router network 100.

Each of FIGS. 1 through 3 shows that mobile router network 110 comprisesat least one network operations center 141. Network operations center141 comprises a database 143 and a network management system 145.Network management system 145 is a combination of hardware and softwareused to monitor and administer or otherwise manage mobile router network100. Each mobile router 112 is managed as an individual network element.

Network management system 145, comprises an authentication server 129, asession manager 131, and a communication server 133. Communicationserver 133 is a combination of hardware and software used to managecommunications between mobile routers 120, and network management system145.

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a mobile router 112 situated ina vehicle 101. Mobile router 112 comprises processor 440, one or morememory units 442, a backhaul network interface or wide area networkinterface or cellular network interface 444, and a local networkinterface 446. A system bus 448 interconnects processor 440, memoryunits 442, backhaul network interface 444 and local network interface446.

Backhaul or cellular network interface 444 interfaces with and providesa wireless communication link with backhaul or cellular network 120 viacell site transceiver 130. Backhaul or cellular network interface 444may interface with one or more types of wireless cellular communicationlinks 122. For example, the backhaul cellular network interface 444 mayinterface to any one or more of: a Global System for MobileCommunications/General Packet Radio Service (GSM/GPRS) link; a UMTS(Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) link; a Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA) link; an Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) link;an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) link; a 3GSM link; aDigital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) link; a Digital AMPS(IS-136/TDMA) link; an Integrated Digital Enhanced Link (iDEN) link; aWiMAX link; or any other suitable wireless link.

Local network interface 446 interfaces and provides a wirelesscommunication link 114 with wireless local area network 115. Similarly,local network interface 446 may interface to one or more types ofwireless network links 114 such as a Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or Bluetooth link.

Processor 440 may execute various programs or instruction code stored inmemory 442. Memory 442 may comprise one or more types ofcomputer-readable media. As such, memory 442 may comprise one or morememory chips, optical memory devices, magnetic memory devices, or othermemory devices.

Various programs or program modules or applications are executable byprocessor 440. The program modules include a routing module 450, a linkmonitor module 452, a session proxy module 454, and a serial port datapublisher module 456. The program modules 450, 452, 454, 456 may bestored in portions of memory 442 or in one or move separate memories.

Routing module 450 is executed by processor 440 to route data packetsbetween wireless network 415 and backhaul or cellular network 420. Linkmonitor program 452 monitors cellular communication links 122 (layer 2)and also Internet communication links (layer 3) via backhaul or cellularnetwork 120 by sending test or probing data packets and monitoring forresponses thereto. By monitoring the sending and receiving of testpackets and responses, processor 440 executing link monitor program 452detects if either (or both) of cellular communication link or Internet118 link fails.

When processor 440, executing link monitor module 52, detects adrop-off, the dropped link is automatically reestablished to minimizethe interruption in service to the end user.

In many prior art mobile routers, when communications links are lost,the end-user's applications and network sessions are terminated. Theend-user has to restart the applications and/or session when thecommunications links and network connection are reestablished.

When processor 440 detects a failure in one or both of thecommunications link 122 or Internet 118 link, processor 440 initiatesremedial action by attempting to reestablish the link or links.Processor 440 may reestablish the link before any applications on thecorresponding mobile device 116 have to be restarted. That way, the userdoes not have to restart the applications or sessions. The user justtypically notices that the applications/sessions slowed for a briefperiod of time while the connection was being reestablished.

Link monitor module 452, as executed on processor 440, provides adaptiveprogramming. If backhaul or cellular network interface 44 receives datapackets over backhaul wireless communication link 122, processor 440sends fewer probing test data packets. Conversely, if backhaul orcellular network interface 444 does not receive data packets, processor440 sends more probing test data packets. By monitoring data packetsreceived via backhaul or cellular network interface 444, processor 440determines that the interface is functioning. Accordingly, processor 440sends data test packets less frequently.

Processor 440, executing link monitor module 452, monitors backhaulnetwork interface 444 to determine that data packets are received. Ifprocessor 440 determines that backhaul wireless communication link 122is working, then processor 440 sends fewer active probes on the backhaulor cellular network 120.

Processor 440, by executing session proxy module 454 acts as a sessionproxy for all TCP sessions going through mobile router 112. When amobile device 116 seeks to establish a TCP session with a destinationsuch as a third party server 126 coupled to Internet 118, 440 terminatesthe TCP session coming from mobile device 116 and, instead, establishesa TCP session via backhaul network interface 444 with the destination.Mobile router 112 also maintains a separate TCP session with mobiledevice 116 via local wireless communication link 114.

All end-user traffic between mobile device 116 and the destination istransparently routed through mobile router 112 during the two separatesessions. If one session such as the backhaul wireless communicationlink 122 goes down that does not negatively affect the session betweenthe mobile router 112 and mobile device 116. As a result, processor 440executing session proxy program module 454 maintains a TCP session tomobile device 116. If applications running on mobile device 116 aredependent upon a TCP session, the applications may continue to runbecause there is a TCP session with the mobile router 112, even thoughthe TCP session over the backhaul or cellular wireless communicationlink 122 is lost. When communications via backhaul or cellularcommunication link 122 are reestablished, mobile device 116 is able tokeep running its applications and session without having to restart theapplications.

When communication over backhaul network or cellular communication link122 is interrupted, processor 440, executing session proxy programmodule 454, prevents the TCP session for wireless communication link 114to mobile device 116 from starting its back-off timers. Under TCPprotocol, mobile device 116 would normally assume that it cannot forwardpackets because of network congestion and it would accordingly start toslow down the session. In contrast, processor 440 executing sessionproxy module 454 maintains a TCP session between mobile router 112 andmobile device 116. Mobile 116 device does not assume that networkcongestion is a problem and the TCP session between mobile router 112and mobile device 116 does not slow down.

Execution of session proxy module 454 by processor 440 may be disabledby mobile device via a control panel for mobile router 112 displayed onmobile device 116. A user can disable execution of session proxy programmodule 454 when the user wants to maintain a TCP session with thedestination.

Processor 440, when executing serial port data publisher module 456,makes data received from a serial device 436 connected to a serial port438 available via mobile router 112 as a TCP stream or as some othertype of data stream, such as HS-TCP or SCPS data stream. A remotedatabase 125, as shown in FIG. 1 may be populated with the data fromdevice 436 via backhaul or cellular network 120 and Internet 118 so thatdata from serial device 436 can be remotely accessed via the Internet118.

Serial device 436 may communicate with mobile router 112 using anysuitable serial data protocol, including the USB (Universal Serial Bus)standard, the RS-232 standard, the RS-485 standard, or the IEEE 1394(FireWire) standard, for example.

Serial device 436 may be any suitable type of serial device, such as,for example, a GPS receiver. Other types of serial data devices 436 maybe used. Serial device 436 may be a vehicle telematics device thatcaptures data regarding the performance and operation of the vehicle(e.g., diagnostic data) in which the device is installed. Serial device436 may be a point-of-sale (POS) device that captures sale or paymentinformation.

Serial data device 436 may also be a remote control for an in-carentertainment system that enables downloading music, video, games, etc.,to third party systems or a device for interfacing to communicationsystems.

Rather than transmitting the data to a central server, e.g., database125 shown in FIG. 1, a remote user could access mobile router 112 toaccess the data from serial device 436 directly. In one embodiment, anauthenticated remote user could access an authentication server 123 asshown in FIG. 1 to determine the address of a specific one mobile router112. The remote user could then use that address to communicate withmobile router 112 directly. Similarly, a local end-user of the mobilerouter 112 could access the data from the serial device via the localwireless network 114.

Processor 440 can output data and command signals via serial interface438 to serial device 436. Utilizing serial interface 438, processor 440may activate and control various components and/or systems of a vehicle101. Serial device 436 may be able to shut of the vehicle engine, unlockthe doors, activate alarm functions, etc. Serial device 436 may also,according to various embodiments, perform payment functions, downloaddata, receive advertising, entertainment, gaming, and/or information, aswell as perform network management and control.

Each mobile router 112 includes a communication agent 441. Communicationagent 441, in the embodiment shown, is a program executed by processor440, but in other embodiments, communication agent 441 may be a separateprocessor and program. Communication agent 441 cooperatively operateswith communication server 133 shown in FIG. 1.

Processor 440 of each mobile router 112 has the ability to runapplications that can perform functions and collect data independentlyof whether or not mobile router 112 is linked to network managementsystem 120.

Each mobile router has associated with it a specific identifier that ismaintained in database 145. The specific identifier can be any uniqueidentifier such as a router serial number or a vehicle identificationnumber. Network operations center 141, utilizing communication server133, is capable of selectively communicating with each mobile router112.

Advantageously, the selective communication between each mobile router112 and network operation center 141 permits the downloading ofapplication programs such as a valet program 565 as described in detailherein below to each of mobile routers 112 for storage in memory 442 ona selective basis, the communication of data obtained from each router112 as a consequence of execution of a downloaded application program,and/or the communication of statistical information obtained in or by amobile router as a result of execution of an application program.

In addition, network operation center 141 is operable to facilitate thedownloading of application programs ordered by or for each mobile router112 directly or indirectly from third party servers 126.

Network operations center 145 also sends predetermined commands tospecific predetermined specific mobile routers 112 for immediateexecution or for execution at a predetermined specified interval.

As shown in FIG. 5 each mobile router 112 stores application programs inmemory 565. Each mobile router 112 is operable to collect data utilizingapplication programs 565 as well as from interfaces to the vehicle inwhich mobile router 12 is installed and/or from peripherals 430 coupledto mobile router 112 via serial data interface 438 and/or from mobiledevice 16. The collected data is marked with a timestamp and stored inmemory 442 of mobile router 112. Depending on the nature of the data,mobile router 112 may process the data and prepare the resultingprocessed data for upload or mobile router 112 may prepare the dataimmediately for upload to network management system 120. In accordancewith one embodiment, the data may be provided by a telematics device ordevices.

In certain embodiments, each vehicle 101 includes a vehicle network bus591 that typically utilizes a standardized protocol over which data orcommands may be communicated with various sensors, nodes, processors andother vehicular apparatus coupled to the vehicle network bus.

Vehicle network bus 591 is a specialized internal communications networkthat interconnects components inside a vehicle (e.g. automobile, bus,train, industrial or agricultural vehicle, ship, or aircraft). Specialrequirements for vehicle control such as assurance of message delivery,assured non-conflicting messages, assured time of delivery as well aslow cost, EMF noise resilience, redundant routing and othercharacteristics are met with the use of various standardized networkingprotocols.

Standardized vehicle network bus protocols include Controller AreaNetwork (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN) and others.

Vehicle network bus 591 provides access to the various vehicleelectronic control modules in the vehicle. Some of the typicalelectronic modules on today's vehicles are the Engine Control Unit(ECU), the Transmission Control Unit (TCU), the Anti-lock Braking System(ABS) and body control modules (BCM).

A vehicle electronic control module typically gets its input fromsensors (speed, temperature, pressure, etc.) that it uses in itscomputation. Various actuators are used to enforce the actionsdetermined by the module (turn the cooling fan on, change gear, etc.).The electronic control modules need to exchange data among themselvesduring the normal operation of the vehicle. For example, the engineneeds to tell the transmission what the engine speed is, and thetransmission needs to tell other modules when a gear shift occurs. Thisneed to exchange data quickly and reliably led to the development ofvehicle network bus 591. Vehicle network bus 591 is the medium of dataexchange.

Vehicle network bus 591 is utilized to create a central network in thevehicle 101. Each electronic control modules is ‘plugged’ into thenetwork and can communicate with any other electronic control moduleinstalled on the network via vehicle network bus 591. Each electroniccontrol module controls specific components related to its function andcommunicates with the other modules as necessary, using a standardprotocol, over the vehicle network bus 591.

In addition, vehicle network bus 591 may utilize any one of a number ofphysical transmission media, including, but not limited to: single wire,twisted pair, and fiber optic.

Each mobile router 112 includes a vehicle network bus interface 571 anda connector 573 that connects to the vehicle network bus 591 of vehicle101.

Each vehicle 101 comprises a vehicle network bus 591 and a mobile router112. Mobile router 112 comprises a local area network interface 446comprising a first wireless transceiver 446A of a first predeterminedtype to provide a link 114 to first a local area network 114 and a widearea network interface 444 comprising a second wireless transceiver 444Aof a second predetermined type to provide a link 122 to a wide areanetwork 122. The embodiment further comprises processor 440 to controloperation of the local area network interface 446 and the wide areanetwork interface 444. One of the wide area network interface 444 andthe local area network interface 446 is selectively operable toestablish a wireless communication link with network management system141 comprising a communication server 133. Each mobile router 112further comprises a communication agent 513, and an application 565executable by the 440 to selectively acquire predetermined data from thevehicle network bus 591. Communication agent 513 is operable to uploadthe predetermined data obtained from vehicle network bus 591 to networkmanagement system 141 of FIGS. 1, 2, 3.

Processor 440 is operable to acquire the predetermined data during timeperiods that wide area network interface 444 is not communicating withnetwork management system 141. Communication agent 513 is operable toupload the predetermined data to network management system 141 uponoccurrence of a predetermined event.

The predetermined event may comprise a predetermined time period thatmay be the time wide area network interface 444 is in communication withnetwork management system 141 and/or the predetermined event isdetermined by the predetermined data, such as, for example, data thatindicates deployment of an air bag.

Mobile router 112 stores the predetermined data in memory 567.

Processor 440 provides a time stamp for the predetermined data at thetime the predetermined acquired data is acquired. The time stamp isstored in memory 567 in association with the corresponding predetermineddata.

Processor 440 is operable to assign a priority for the predetermineddata; and is operable to execute a predetermined action to take with thepredetermined data.

Processor 440 is operable to initiate immediate upload of thepredetermined data to network management system 141 of the predetermineddata having a predetermined one assigned priority. By way ofnon-limiting example, data indicating deployment of air bags would beassigned a priority for immediate upload.

Processor 440 is operable to control upload of predetermined data havinga first predetermined one assigned priority at a first data rate.Processor 440 is operable to control upload of second predetermined datahaving a predetermined second assigned priority at a secondpredetermined data rate, the second predetermined data rate being slowerthan the first predetermined data rate.

Communication agent 513 is operable to determine if uploading of thepredetermined data is interrupted. Communication agent 513 is operablein cooperation with the communication server 133 to restore uploading ofthe predetermined data to network management system 141 from the pointof interruption when a communication link between the network managementsystem 141 communication server 133 and the communication agent 513 isrestored.

Processor 440 is operable to process the predetermined data prior to thedata being uploaded; and processor 440 is operable to store theprocessed predetermined data as the predetermined data in memory 567.

A time stamp is generated for the predetermined data when it isacquired. The time stamp is stored in memory 567 in association with thecorresponding processed predetermined data.

Communication agent 513 may be further operable to determine whenuploading occurs in cooperation with the application program or programs565.

The predetermined data may comprise statistical data and/or diagnosticdata. The diagnostic data is obtained via the vehicle network businterface 571. Processor 440 is operable to process the diagnostic datato generate message data. Communication agent 513 is operable to uploadthe message data to network management system 141 via one of the localarea network interface 446 and the wide area network interface 444.

Application or applications 565 is or are downloaded to the vehicle viaone of the wide area network interface 444 and the local area networkinterface 446.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the variousfunctions of each of the plurality of mobile routers 112 may beintegrated directly into a vehicle 101. In that instance, a vehicle 101may comprise a vehicle network bus 591; a local area network interface546 comprising a first wireless transceiver 546A of a firstpredetermined type to provide a link 114 to first a local area network115; a wide area network interface 444 comprising a second wirelesstransceiver 444A of a second predetermined type to provide a link 122 toa wide area network 120; processor 140 to control operation of the localarea network interface 446 and the wide area network interface 444. Atleast one of the wide area network interface 446 and the local areanetwork interface 444 is selectively operable to establish a wirelesscommunication link with a network management system 141 comprising acommunication server 133. Vehicle 101 further comprises a communicationagent 441 and one or more applications 565 executable by processor 140to selectively acquire predetermined data from the vehicle network bus591. Communication agent 513 is operable to upload the predetermineddata to network management system 141.

Data for uploading can be prioritized and rate limited by processor 140.By way of non-limiting example, if the data has a high priority, such asan indication of airbag deployment then the data is immediatelyprioritized over anything else and is uploaded. If the data has a lowpriority it can be sent at a low bit rate so as not to interfere withthe experience of the user of mobile device 16 or anything the usermight be doing. For example, low priority data may be “trickled up” oruploaded at 10 Kbps.

If the uploading of data from a mobile router 112 or vehicle 101 isinterrupted for any reason the session, such as, for example, by loss ofcommunications via a wireless wide area network communication link 122,mobile router 112 or processor 440 will restore the uploading of datawhere the uploading had left off, when a communication link is againestablished to communication server 133.

The number of mobile routers 112 may be very large, and may numbermillions of mobile routers 112 or other mobile devices. To efficientlyprovide an arrangement for tracking/monitoring the number of routers, adistributed network arrangement and method is provided for providingcommunication to the routers. More specifically, to support the abilityof the system to scale up back-end systems that support mobile devicesin vehicles that number from a few thousand to millions, we developed amethod and architecture that allows for easy addition of capacity as thenetworked number of mobile routers increases.

Every mobile router 112 is configured to communicate with acommunication server for uploading of data and for downloading content.

Mobile router 112 comprises an interface 444 to a wirelesscommunications link; a memory 442 storing information comprisingconfiguration information 407; a memory 508 storing main serverinformation utilizable to identify a main network server; and acommunications agent 513 operable with the interface 444 to establishcommunication via the wireless communications link 122 to a network 600shown in FIG. 6 comprising a main server SP000 and a plurality of groupservers SP001 . . . SPxxx. Network 600 is an expanded version of network100 shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. Communications agent 513 is operablesuch that its initial communication to network 600 utilizes the mainserver information stored in memory 508 to establish a firstcommunication with main server SP000. Mobile router 112 furthercomprises processor or microprocessor 440 operable with communicationsagent 513 to interact with main server SP000 to upload the configurationinformation from memory 407 to main server SP000 via network 600 shownin FIG. 6.

Communications agent 513 is operable to receive group serveridentification information from main server SP000 when communicatingwith main server SP000 a second time. Microprocessor 440 is operable tostore the group server identification information in memory 508. Thegroup server information comprises information identifying one or moreservers corresponding with a predetermined group assigned by main serverSP000. Communications agent 513 utilizes the group server identificationinformation for subsequent communication via network 600.

The group server identification information is received bycommunications agent 513 from main server SP000 the second time mobilerouter 112 establishes communication with main server SP000.Communications agent 513 utilizes the group server identificationinformation to access one group server of the plurality of group serversSP001, . . . , SPxxx.

The group server identification information comprises identificationinformation for a predetermined number of group servers selectivelyassigned from the plurality of group servers SP001, . . . , SPxxx.

Turning back to FIG. 5, microprocessor 440 is operable to select a groupserver from the predetermined number of group servers with which tocommunicate via network 600. Microprocessor 440 selects the group serverfrom the predetermined number of group servers in accordance with apredetermined selection algorithm. In one embodiment, the group serveris selected by accessing the first available group server by attemptingto access the group servers in sequential order as stored in memory 508.

Although the above description refers to each server in the singular, inan embodiment of the invention, each group server SP001, . . . , SPXXXshown in FIG. 6 comprises a corresponding pair of servers P, S that areidentically configured.

One group server P, S of each group server pair operates as a primaryserver P to track and monitor the plurality of mobile routers and thecorresponding paired server is selected as a backup secondary server S.Each primary group server P and its corresponding secondary server Soperate such that data in primary group server P is replicated into itscorresponding secondary server S.

Primary group server P and the secondary server S operate to determineif a failure occurs in the primary group server; and the primary groupserver P and the secondary server S operate to automatically switch tothe secondary server as primary group server upon occurrence of afailure. After the original primary group server P is repaired, it ismanually switched back in service.

The group server pairs SP001, . . . , SPxxx are dispersed to be locatedat dispersed geographic locations and have different network peeringpoints.

When a new mobile router 112N is provisioned at the factory, it isconfigured to talk to the “main” communications server pair SP000 at thenetwork operations center 141 shown in FIG. 1 by storing accessinformation for “main” communications server pair SP000 in memory 508.Each newly provisioned mobile router 112N registers with the “main”communications server pair SP000 and uploads its configurationinformation to “main” communications server pair SP000. When mobilerouter 112N registers with the “main” communications server pair SP000it calls into an “unassigned” server group address by default.

When mobile router 112N is sold and shipped it is assigned to a groupselected from a plurality of groups RG001-RGyyy. The group to which amobile router 112 is assigned is usually customer specific. Non-limitingexamples of such customers to which a mobile router is assigned includeautomotive companies, e.g., Chrysler, or electronics retailers, e.g.,Best Buy.

The next time mobile router 112N comes on line and talks to maincommunications server pair SP000, main communications server pair SP000will identify that mobile router 112N has been assigned to a groupselected from the groups RG001 through RGyyy that is different from the“unassigned” group. Main communications server pair SP000 will thenreassign mobile router 112N to talk to a new communications server pairthat handles the group to which mobile router 112N has been assigned bydownloading the new communication server pair access information tomemory 508. The new communications server pair is selected from thecommunications server pairs SP001 through SPxxx

There can be multiple communications server pairs per group and eachcommunications server can support multiple groups.

Each mobile router 112 is configured by the main communications serverpair SP000 with addresses for multiple communications server pairs. Theaddresses for the multiple communication server pairs are stored inmobile router 112 memory 508 shown in FIG. 5. Memory 508 may be anassigned portion of memory 442 as shown or may be a separate memory.Each mobile router 112 will access the server addresses stored in itscorresponding memory 508 in a predetermined order. If a communicationserver pair associated with a first address is unavailable, mobilerouter 112 will access the next address of a communications serverstored in memory 508. Mobile router 112 will access communicationsserver addresses from memory 508 in predetermined order untilcommunications with a corresponding communications server isestablished.

Main server pair SP000 includes a manager program. The manager programis provided so that main server pair SP000 may communicate to all ofcommunications servers SP001-SPXXX, so an operator of the network systemnever needs to know which communications server communicates with whichrouter. The communication by main server pair SP000 to server pairsSP001-SPXXX is illustrated in FIG. 7.

Communications server pairs SP001-SPXXX do not need to be located in thesame facility. It is preferable that the communications server pairsSP001-SPXXX are not in the same facility. It is highly preferable thatthe communications server pairs SP001-SPxxx are geographically disperseand have different network peering points.

With the server network architecture described above, added capacity iseasily added by simply adding additional server pairs and configuringthem as available within the system manager at the network operationscenter SP000.

In a particularly advantage embodiment of the invention each mobilerouter 101 may be operated in a “valet mode” in conjunction with awireless mobile device such as, for example, a so-called smart phone. Weprovide an application, i.e., a valet application that may be downloadedto a smartphone or other wireless mobile device. The valet applicationis particularly advantages with a smartphone or other wireless mobiledevice having a touch screen. The valet application programs thewireless mobile device to provide a valet mode control button or icon.Touching the button causes a command to be sent to a correspondingmobile router to enable a valet mode in the mobile router.

When the valet mode is enabled in a mobile router, a predeterminedboundary is established for the mobile router based on its location atthe time the valet mode is enabled. By way of example, the predeterminedboundary may be a radius may of e.g., 100 yards from the vehicleslocation. If the vehicle leaves moves outside the boundary, the mobilerouter causes a message, e.g., a SMS message, to be sent to the wirelessmobile device alerting that the boundary has been exceeded.

When the valet mode is enabled, the corresponding mobile router alsomonitors the speed of the vehicle. If the speed exceeds a predeterminedspeed, e.g., 65 mph, the mobile router causes a message, e.g., a SMSmessage, to be sent to the wireless mobile device alerting that thepredetermined speed has been exceeded.

Both the predetermined radius and the predetermined speed areautomatically configured in the mobile router.

The mobile router automatically disables the valet mode a predeterminedtime period, e.g. 4 hours, after it is enabled.

The user of the wireless mobile device can change the predetermineddefault parameters for the radius, maximum speed, and time period.

FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless mobile device 801 having digitalcommunication capability. In various embodiments, wireless mobile device801 may be a any one of a number of wireless mobile devices, including,for example, a smartphone or a tablet or pad type computer. Wirelessmobile device 801 and comprises a user input/output interface 803comprising a touch screen display 805. A valet mode application 807 isstored in the wireless mobile device 801. Valet mode application 807 isexecutable by the wireless mobile device 801 to provide control for avalet mode in cooperation with a mobile router 112 disposed within avehicle 101. Wireless mobile device 801 executes the valet modeapplication 807 to produce a predetermined image 809 on touch screendisplay 805. Touch screen display 805 is operable such that touchingpredetermined image 809 is utilized to activate and deactivate a valetmode operation in mobile router 112. The valet mode operates mobilerouter 112 such that when the vehicle exceeds one or more predeterminedconditions, mobile router 112 provides a notification to wireless mobiledevice 801.

Predetermined image 809 may be an image of a button or an icon or otherimage. Wireless mobile device 801 is operable in response to a touch ofpredetermined image 809 to cause activation of the valet mode in itscorresponding mobile router 112. Wireless mobile device 801 is operablein response to a subsequent touch of predetermined image 809 to causedeactivation of the valet mode in mobile router 112.

The one or more predetermined conditions are preset in mobile router112.

The predetermined conditions may comprise one or both of a boundarydetermined by a predetermined radius, e.g., 100 yards and apredetermined vehicle speed, e.g. 65 mph.

The valet mode in mobile router 112 remains activated for apredetermined time period, e.g., 4 hours. However, wireless mobiledevice 801 may deactivate the valet mode by a subsequent touching ofpredetermined image 809.

Wireless mobile device 801 is operable to change the one or morepredetermined conditions. Wireless mobile device 801 may selectivelychange one or more of the predetermined radius, predetermined speed, andpredetermined time period to a user determined condition. Thepredetermined conditions are stored in the corresponding mobile router112.

Valet mode application 807 may be downloaded to a wireless mobile device801 by accessing a server, such as server 145 shown in FIG. 1. Turningback to FIG. 8, after valet mode application 807 is downloaded towireless mobile device 801, wireless mobile device 801 executes valetmode application 807 setup. As part of the setup, a valet mode button orother predetermined image 809 is provided on touch screen display 805.Wireless mobile device 801 uploads an identification of a specificcorresponding router 112 to server 145 so that wireless mobile device801 is associated with the specific corresponding router 112.

Server 145 either downloads a corresponding valet mode application 571to mobile router 112 or if the valet mode application 571 is alreadyresident in mobile router 112, server 145 activates the valet modeapplication. As part of the setup of valet mode application 145 inmobile router 112, the predetermined conditions are stored in mobilerouter 112 if they are not already stored therein.

One embodiment of the invention is an application for use with awireless mobile device 801 comprising a touch screen display 805. Valetmode application 807 is downloadable to and stored by wireless mobiledevice 801. Valet mode application 807 is executable by wireless mobiledevice 801 to provide control for a valet mode in mobile router 112disposed within vehicle 101. Valet mode application is executable bywireless mobile device to produce a predetermined image 809 on touchscreen display 805. Valet mode application 807 is executable such thattouching predetermined image 809 is utilized to cause a command to besent to mobile router 112 to activate and deactivate a valet modeoperation in mobile router 112. Valet mode operates in mobile router 112such that when the vehicle in which mobile router 112 is installedexceeds one or more predetermined conditions, mobile router 112 providesa notification to wireless mobile device 801.

The one or more predetermined conditions are preset in mobile router112. However, valet mode application 807 is executable by wirelessmobile device 801 to change the one or more predetermined conditions. Asdescribed above, the predetermined conditions comprise a predetermineddistance radius 573, a predetermined vehicle speed 575, and apredetermined time limit 577.

Predetermined image 809 may comprise one or both of a button and anicon. Wireless mobile device 801 is operable in response to a touch ofpredetermined image 809 to activate the valet mode in the mobile router112. Wireless mobile device 801 is operable in response to a secondtouch of predetermined image 809 to cause deactivation of the valet modein mobile router 112.

Valet mode application 571 is loaded in mobile router 112 to providevalet mode functionality for vehicle 101 in which mobile router 112 isdisposed. Processor 440 is operable to execute valet mode program 571.

Mobile router 112 responds to externally generated commands originatingat wireless mobile device 801 to activate or deactivate the valet modein mobile router 112. Processor 440 is operable to determine if thepredetermined distance limit is exceeded from the location of thevehicle when the valet mode is activated; and processor 440 is operableto determine if the vehicle exceeds the predetermined speed limit whenthe valet mode is activated.

Processor 440 deactivates the valet mode at the earliest of expirationof predetermined time period 577 and receipt of a deactivate commandfrom wireless mobile device 801.

Mobile router 112 also responds to externally generated commandsoriginating at wireless mobile device 801 to change predetermined timeperiod 577 to a second predetermined time period and responds toexternally generated commands to change the predetermined distance limit573 to a second predetermined distance period and responds to commandsto change the predetermined speed limit 575 to a second predeterminedspeed period. Processor 440 may automatically reset the predeterminedtime limit, predetermined distance, and predetermined speed limit to theinitial values upon termination of the valet mode.

Predetermined distance limit 573, predetermined speed limit 575, andpredetermined time period 577 are downloaded to mobile router 112 viaone of wireless wide area network interface 444 and wireless local areanetwork interface 446.

Mobile router 112 is operable to generate a predetermined message towireless mobile device 801 if at least one of predetermined speed limit573 or predetermined distance 575 is exceeded. The predetermined messageis stored in memory 442 in association with valet mode application 571,as is contact information for wireless mobile device 801.

Mobile router 112 has access to a global positioning system (GPS)receiver 593. Mobile router 112 utilizes GPS receiver 593 tosubstantially continuously determine the location of vehicle 101 inwhich mobile router 112 is disposed. Mobile router 112 is responsive toa first command to activate an operational mode such that the presentlocation of vehicle 101 is captured from GPS receiver 593. The locationof vehicle 101 is, thereafter during activation of the valet mode,substantially continuously monitored and utilized to determine if thecurrent location of vehicle 101 exceeds the predetermined distance limit573 from the captured location and to determine if vehicle 101 exceedsthe predetermined speed limit 575. Alternatively, mobile router 112 mayutilize odometer data and speed data available on vehicle standard bus591 to determine the distance traveled by vehicle 101 and the speed atwhich vehicle 101 travels.

A vehicle 101 in accordance with the principles of the inventioncomprises a valet mode program 571 to provide valet mode functionality,a processor 440 operable to execute the valet mode program 571, apredetermined distance limit 573, and a predetermined speed limit 575.Vehicle 101 responds to externally generated commands from apredetermined source 801 to activate or deactivate the valet mode.Processor 440 is operable to determine if the predetermined distancelimit 573 is exceeded from the location of vehicle 101 when the valetmode is activated, and processor 440 is operable to determine if vehicle101 exceeds predetermined speed limit 575 while the valet mode isactivated.

Vehicle 101 further comprises wireless wide area network interface 444operable to access a cellular network 120, and a wireless local areanetwork interface 446. Commands are received via one of wireless widearea network interface 444 and wireless local area network interface446.

The predetermined source in vehicle 101 may comprise a wireless mobiledevice 116 that may be the wireless mobile device 801 shown in FIG. 8.Wireless mobile device 801 comprises a valet mode application operableto activate and deactivate the valet mode in vehicle 101.

Vehicle 101 further comprises a predetermined time period 577. Processor440 deactivates the valet mode at the earliest of the predetermined timeperiod 577 and receipt of a deactivate command. Processor 440 respondsto externally generated second commands from wireless mobile device 801to change the predetermined time period 577 to a second predeterminedtime period. Processor 440 responds to externally generated thirdcommands from wireless mobile device 801 to change the predetermineddistance limit to a second predetermined distance period. Processor 440responds to externally generated fourth commands from wireless mobiledevice 801 to change the predetermined speed limit 577 to a secondpredetermined speed period.

The predetermined distance limit 573 and the predetermined speed limit575 are downloaded to vehicle 101 via one of the wireless wide areanetwork interface 444 and the wireless local area network interface 446.

Processor 440 is operable to generate a message to wireless mobiledevice 801 if at least one of the predetermined speed limit 573 or thepredetermined distance 575 is exceeded.

Vehicle 101 may further comprise a global positioning system (GPS)receiver 593 and a mobile router. Vehicle 101 utilizes GPS receiver 593to substantially continuously determine the location of the vehicle.Processor 440 is responsive to a first command to activate anoperational mode such that the present location of vehicle 101 iscaptured. The location of vehicle 101 is substantially continuouslymonitored by processor 440 to determine if the location of vehicle 101exceeds the predetermined distance limit 573 from the initial capturedlocation and to determine if vehicle 101 exceeds the predetermined speedlimit. Alternatively, mobile router 112 may utilize odometer data andspeed data available on vehicle standard bus 591 to determine thedistance traveled by vehicle 101 and the speed at which vehicle 101travels.

Processor 440 is responsive to vehicle 101 exceeding predetermineddistance 573 from the initial captured location to send a message to awireless mobile device 801.

Processor 440 is responsive to vehicle 101 exceeding predetermined speed575 to send a message to wireless mobile device 801.

Processor 440 may be responsive to a second command to deactivate theoperational mode.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method for providing a valet mode for a vehicle101. The method includes: the step 901 of providing a mobile router in avehicle; providing a GPS receiver in the vehicle at step 903; operatingthe mobile router to substantially continuously determine the currentlocation of the vehicle at step 905; providing a valet applicationprogram to a wireless mobile device comprising a touch screen display atstep 907; utilizing the valet application program to provide a userinterface comprising an image such as, for example a button or othericon at step 909; utilizing the wireless device to program in the mobilerouter a radius for use as a boundary, a maximum permitted speed, and apredetermined time period that the valet mode will be activated at step911; utilizing the user interface to activate and deactivate a valetmode at the mobile router at step 913; operating mobile router such thatwhen the valet mode is activated, the current location is captured atstep 915; operating the mobile router to activate a boundary utilizingthe predetermined radius about the current location of vehicle at step917; automatically operating the mobile router when the valet mode isactivated to detect if the boundary is exceeded at step 919;automatically operating the mobile router when the valet mode isactivated to detect if the maximum speed limit is exceeded at step 921;operating the mobile router to automatically cause a notification to besent to the wireless mobile device if the boundary and/or the speedlimit is exceeded at step 923; and terminating the valet mode in themobile router upon the earliest of expiration of the time period orreceipt of a deactivate command.

Alternatively, mobile router 112 may utilize odometer data and speeddata available on vehicle standard bus 591 to determine the distancetraveled by vehicle 101 and the speed at which vehicle 101 travels. Themethod may further comprise: coupling the router to a standardizedvehicle bus; obtaining distance traveled by the vehicle from the vehiclebus; and obtaining vehicle speed from the vehicle bus.

The method may further include downloading the valet application to thewireless device from a source accessed via the Internet.

In yet another embodiment, a method is provided for operating a networkcomprising a plurality of mobile routers 112 each disposed in acorresponding vehicle 101 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and each mobilerouter 112 comprising a wireless wide area network interface 440 and awireless local area network interface 444 as shown in FIG. 5. The methodcomprises: downloading a valet mode application 809 to a wireless mobiledevice 801 shown in FIG. 8; utilizing the valet mode application toprogram wireless mobile device 801 to provide a valet user interface809. Wireless mobile device 801 comprising a touch screen display 805and has access to at least one of a device wireless local area network115 and a device wireless wide area network 120 shown in FIG. 1. Themethod further comprises: utilizing the valet mode application 807 toproduce an image of a button 809 on touch screen display 805;associating one or more of the mobile routers 112 to wireless mobiledevice 801; providing each associated one or more the mobile routers 112with a valet mode program 571; coupling a global positioning system(GPS) receiver 593 to mobile router 112 as shown in FIG. 5; utilizingbutton 809 to activate and deactivate a valet mode such that when thevalet mode is activated, mobile router 112 and the GPS receiver 593cooperate to establish a predetermined radius 573 about the currentlocation of the vehicle; and operating mobile router 112 in cooperationwith the GPS receiver 593 to detect if predetermined radius 571 isexceeded.

The method further comprises operating mobile router 112 to establish apredetermined maximum speed 575; operating mobile router 112 to detectif the predetermined radius 573 or the predetermined maximum speed 575is exceeded; and operating the mobile router to cause a notification tobe sent to the wireless device upon the router detecting if thepredetermined radius or the predetermined speed is exceeded.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changesand modifications may be made to the embodiments described hereinwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It isintended that the invention not be limited in any way by the embodimentsshown and described herein, but that the invention be limited only bythe claims appended hereto.

1. In combination: a wireless device having digital communicationcapability and comprising a user input/output interface comprising atouch screen display; a valet mode application stored in said wirelessdevice; said valet mode application is executable by said wirelessdevice to provide control for a valet mode in cooperation with a mobilerouter disposed within a vehicle, said wireless device executes saidvalet application program to produce a predetermined image on said touchscreen display; said touch screen display is operable such that touchingsaid image is utilized to activate and deactivate a valet mode operationin said mobile router; and said valet mode operating in said mobilerouter such that when said vehicle exceeds one or more predeterminedconditions, said mobile router provides a notification to said wirelessdevice.
 2. A combination in accordance with claim 1, comprising: saidone or more predetermined conditions are preset in said mobile router.3. A combination in accordance with claim 2, comprising: said wirelessdevice is operable to change said one or more predetermined conditions.4. A combination in accordance with claim 3, comprising: saidpredetermined conditions comprise one or both of a geo-fence and avehicle speed.
 5. A combination in accordance with claim 4, comprising:said valet mode remains activated for the shorter time of said wirelessdevice deactivates said mobile router and a predetermined time period.6. A combination in accordance with claim 5, comprising: saidpredetermined time period is stored in said mobile router.
 7. Acombination in accordance with claim 6, comprising: said wireless deviceis operable with said valet application program to change saidpredetermined time period.
 8. A combination in accordance with claim 1,comprising: said predetermined image comprises one of a button and icon;said wireless device is operable in response to a touch of said imageactivating said valet mode to cause an activation of said valet mode insaid mobile router; and said wireless device is operable in response toa touch of said image to cause deactivation of said valet mode in saidmobile router.
 9. A combination in accordance with claim 1, comprising:said wireless device comprises one of a cell phone, a smartphone, apersonal data assistant (“PDA”), a tablet computer, a laptop, or anotepad.
 10. A combination in accordance with claim 1, comprising: saidvalet application is downloaded to said wireless device.
 11. Acombination in accordance with claim 1, comprising: said valet modeapplication is utilized to associate said wireless device with one ormore mobile routers.
 12. An application for use with a wireless devicecomprising a touch screen display, said application comprising: a valetmode application stored by said wireless device; said valet modeapplication is executable by said wireless device to provide control fora mobile router valet mode, said mobile router disposed within avehicle, said valet application program is executable by said wirelessdevice to produce a predetermined image on said touch screen display;said valet application program is executable such that touching saidimage is utilized to activate and deactivate a valet mode operation insaid mobile router; and said valet mode operating in said mobile routersuch that when said vehicle exceeds one or more predeterminedconditions, said mobile router provides a notification to said wirelessdevice.
 13. An application in accordance with claim 12, comprising: saidone or more predetermined conditions are preset in said mobile router.14. An application in accordance with claim 13, comprising: saidwireless device is operable to change said one or more predeterminedconditions.
 15. An application in accordance with claim 14, comprising:said predetermined conditions comprise one or both of a predeterminedradius and a vehicle speed.
 16. An application in accordance with claim15, comprising: said valet mode remains activated for the shorter timeof said wireless device deactivates said mobile router and apredetermined time period.
 17. An application in accordance with claim16, comprising: said predetermined time period is stored in said mobilerouter.
 18. An application in accordance with claim 17, comprising: saidwireless device is operable with said valet application program tochange said predetermined time period.
 19. An application in accordancewith claim 12, comprising: said predetermined image comprises one of abutton and an icon; said wireless device is operable in response to atouch of said image activating said valet mode to cause an activation ofsaid valet mode in said mobile router; and said wireless device isoperable in response to a touch of said image to cause deactivation ofsaid valet mode in said mobile router.
 20. An application in accordancewith claim 12, comprising: said wireless device comprises one of a cellphone, a smartphone, a personal data assistant (“PDA”), a tabletcomputer, a laptop, or a notepad.
 21. An application in accordance withclaim 12, comprising: said valet application is downloaded to saidwireless device.
 22. An application in accordance with claim 12,comprising: said valet mode application is utilized to associate saidwireless device with one or more mobile routers.
 23. An application inaccordance with claim 12, comprising: said application is downloadableto said wireless device from a server.